A TEENAGER was critically ill in hospital today after he was mown down by a car following a fracas in Smethwick.

The 17-year-old was in "critical but stable" condition after the hit-and-run drama in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A police spokesman said there had been reports prior to the youth being run over of violent disorder involving several people in the street at about 1am outside the Red Fort Social Club in High Street. During the disturbance a window at the club was smashed.

A silver Audi car, believed to have been parked in the street outside the club, was driven off and collided with the 17-year-old.

The teenager, who is from Smethwick but has not been identified, was in the road when he was hit.

Police are appealing for witnesses and seeking the Audi car.

The spokesman added: "The car would have sustained damage to the passenger side wing mirror, the front grille, headlights and windscreen."